Description
Introduction: Cancer is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Current biological mechanisms of cancer suggest that all cancers are originated from both environment and genetics, meaning that there are multiple external factors combined with internal genetic changes that will lead to human cancers. Because of the haphazard or absence of cancer data in the region and in Cameroon, cancer control programs and the provision of early detection and treatment services are limited despite this increasing burden. The aim of this study was to determining the epidemiologic and the histopathologic profiles of gynecologic cancers at the Bafoussam Regional Hospital (BRH).
Method: A descriptive retrospective study of 690 cancer cases over a period of 46 months, from October 2019 to July 2023 at the pathology laboratory of the BRH was done. Were not included in the study; non-histologically proven cancer cases, suspected cancer cases, pre-cancer and benign cases. Sampling was non-probabilistic, consecutive and exhaustive of all histologically proven cancer cases. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0
Results: Of the 2635 specimens received within this period, 690 cases of cancer were recorded for an overall frequency of 26.2% and an annual average of 172.5 cases. There was a trend suggesting an increase annual frequency over time. Female cancer represented 77.1% while male cancer represented 22.9%. Female genital/breast cancers with 390 cases were most frequent with an overall frequency of 56.5% while endocrine gland cancers with 18 cases were the least frequent (2.6%). These patients were on average 51.6 ± 13.7 years old. Of the female genital/breast cancers, the cervix was the most frequent location with 210 cases (53.8%) while the vagina was the least affected with 3 cases (0.8%). Histologically, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers were predominantly Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma, breast cancers; Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, uterine body cancers; Choriocarcinoma while ovarian cancers; Cystadenocarcinoma.
Conclusion: Female genital/breast cancers are common in Bafoussam, cervical cancer being most prevalent. Histologically, cancers of epithelial origin are most frequent. Because of this high prevalence, cancer prevention and treatment services should be strengthened in Cameroon. The involvement of women authorities in cancer prevention efforts and Expansion of universal health coverage to incorporate cancer into essential benefits packages will represent practical approaches in the reduction of this high prevalence in the region and in Cameroon.
Keywords: Cancer, Epidemiology, Histopathology, Cameroon.
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